May 18, 2011

(CIDRAP News)  When the World Health Assembly (WHA) considers the fate of the remaining stocks of smallpox virus this week, the debate is likely to be framed in part by a report from a group of independent experts that says the only strong reason for keeping the virus is to satisfy strict regulatory requirements for new vaccines and antivirals.

Apr 22, 2011

(CIDRAP News)  Influenza activity in the United States continued to fade last week, but the lingering signs included reports of four more flu-related deaths in children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's latest global update said flu was generally low and decreasing worldwide, but there were a few patches of activity in the tropics.

Dec 08, 2010

(CIDRAP News)  A package of studies and commentary published this week by the Journal of Infectious Diseases points up the ability of influenza viruses to become drug-resistant and continue to spread, highlighting the need for new antivirals.